Forests are essential to human survival because they provide oxygen, regulate the climate, safeguard biodiversity, and support the water cycle. However, industrialisation, urbanisation, and illicit logging are rapidly diminishing global forest resources, resulting in a severe imbalance between destruction and conservation. This growing threat underlines the need for stricter legislation and more effective execution to protect forests.
The aim of this article is to look at the regulations that prohibit deforestation and who is responsible for effective forest protection. It considers the consequences of deforestation, the current legislative framework, its enforcement, and the shared responsibilities required to maintain forests for the future.
The topic for International Day of Forests 2025 is “Forests and Food,” emphasising the role of forests in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. Forests are more than just a part of the ecosystem; they are also critical sources of food security for humans. Many foods, including fruits, tubers, honey, spices, and medicinal plants, originate in woods. Forests are particularly important to tribal and rural communities. They get nutrition and income from forest-based items. However, rising deforestation has jeopardised this food source and biodiversity.
When forests are destroyed, edible plants and animals that live in them may disappear, posing serious concerns to food supply and nutritional security. Deforestation contributes to climate change, soil erosion, and agriculture, all of which have a detrimental impact on food security. As a result, the government, local communities, businesses, and residents must work together to maintain forests. Food security can only be sustained if forests persist, so everyone must take responsibility for forest protection. The concept of “Forests and Food” emphasises the importance of implementing sustainable alternatives and forest conservation.
India has numerous laws and policies in place to protect forests and maintain food security. These laws’ primary goals are to avoid deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and safeguard the rights of local residents.
Forest conservation and food security are not solely the duty of the government; the entire society must collaborate and make efforts. Only when the government, industries, local communities, and citizens fulfil their respective roles will the goals of forest protection and food security be met.
• Promoting Sustainable Agriculture – Focus on organic farming, mixed cropping, and soil fertility.
• Controlling deforestation – Reduce unlawful deforestation, promote afforestation, and implement sustainable forest management.
• Reducing food waste – Use contemporary food storage systems, reduce food waste, and train farmers.
• Leading an eco-friendly lifestyle – Use locally sourced and organic foods, decrease your use of plastic, and plant trees.
• Involving local communities – Ensure that tribal and rural groups actively participate in forest conservation, and give financial aid from the government.
To prevent deforestation, the government, industries, local communities, and residents must work together. Strong law enforcement, sustainable farming, and environmentally conscious habits are critical for preserving forests, which support ecological balance, biodiversity, and food security.
The author, Adv. Abdul Mulla, who writes about legal and social issues on platforms such as www.asmlegalservices.in and www.lifeandlaw.in, emphasises the importance of responsible natural resource use and afforestation. Forest protection is more than just an environmental responsibility; it is also necessary for human survival.
Adv. Abdul Mulla (Mob. No. 937 007 2022) is a seasoned legal professional with over 18 years of experience in advocacy, specializing in diverse areas of law, including Real Estate and Property Law, Matrimonial and Divorce Matters, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Will and Succession Planning. read more….
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